A Ripple from the Storm - Hardcover

Lessing, Doris

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 024610905X ISBN 13: 9780246109057

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1993

Synopsis

The third book in the "Children of Violence" series, a quintet of novels tracing the life of Martha Quest from her childhood in colonial Africa through to her old age in a post-nuclear Britain. The other books are "Martha Quest", "A Proper Marriage", "Landlocked" and "The Four-Gated City".

About this title

About the Author

Doris Lessing was one of the most important writers of the second half of the 20th-century and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature 2007. Her novels include The Grass is Singing, The Golden Notebook and The Good Terrorist. In 2001, Lessing was awarded the David Cohen Prize for a lifetime's achievement in British literature. In 2008, The Times ranked her fifth on a list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945". She died in 2013.

From the Back Cover

"The personal life of a comrade would be arranged so that it interferes as little as possible with work," he said. Martha had not imagined that the "personal talk" with Anton would arise like an item on an agenda; she now felt frivolous because she had been looking forward to something different…"

The 'Children of Violence' series, a quintet of novels tracing the life of Martha Quest from her childhood in Africa to a post-nuclear Britain of AD 2000, first established Doris Lessing as a major radical writer. In this third volume, Martha, now free of her stultifying marriage to Douglas, is able to pursue the independent life she has wanted for so long. Her deepening involvement with South African revolutionary politics draws her into a world of fierce commitments and passionate idealism. A time of great change, Martha's young womanhood brings not only immense happiness when she embarks on an affair with a fellow party member, but also great sorrow – for the pain of abandoning Caroline, her baby daughter, left at home with Douglas, never diminishes…

"Through Martha, Doris Lessing's best-known and most powerful character, we are drawn into the lives of a group of middle-class white South Africans who are idealistically in love with the Soviet Union, convinced that they can bring about the revolution which will end the racist system, eliminate poverty and give women true equality. Against this background, the interplay of personal relationships and the passions, jealousies and weaknesses which defy party discipline make absorbing reading. Lessing conveys the emotions, aspirations and constant self-questioning of Martha Quest with astonishing clarity."
SUNDAY TIMES

"Doors Leasing has an original and moving talent of exceptionally high quality."
OBSERVER

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 024610905X
• ISBN 13: 9780246109057
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 336